Chapter 2 Life, Chemistry, and Energy

Vocab
Amphipathic Of a molecule, having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic
regions.
Anabolic reactions A synthetic reaction in which simple molecules are linked to form
more complex ones; requires an input of energy and captures it in the chemical bonds that are
formed.
Anions A negatively charged ion.
Atomic number The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom; also equals the
number of electrons around the neutral atom. Determines the chemical properties of the atom.
Atoms The smallest unit of a chemical element. Consists of a nucleus and one or more
electrons.
Bilayer A structure that is two layers in thickness. In biology, most often refers to the
phospholipid bilayer of membranes. The basic structural unit of biological membranes; a sheet of
phospholipids two molecules thick in which the phospholipids are lined up with their
hydrophobic "tails" packed tightly together and their hydrophilic, phosphate-containing "heads"
facing outward. Also called lipid bilayer.
Bohr model A model for atomic structure that depicts the atom as largely empty space,
with a central nucleus surrounded by electrons in orbits, or electron shells, at various distances
from the nucleus.
Carbohydrates Organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the
ratio 1:2:1 (i.e., with the general formula Cm(H2O)n ). Common examples are sugars, starch,
and cellulose.
Catabolic reactions A synthetic reaction in which complex molecules are broken down
into simpler ones and energy is released.
Cations An ion with one or more positive charges.
Chemical bond An attractive force stably linking two atoms.
Chemical reaction The change in the composition or distribution of atoms of a
substance with consequent alterations in properties.
Cohesion The tendency of molecules (or any substances) to stick together.
Condensation A chemical reaction in which two molecules become connected by a
covalent bond and a molecule of water is released (AH + BOH AB + H2O.)
Covalent bond Chemical bond based on the sharing of electrons between two atoms.
Disaccharide A carbohydrate made up of two monosaccharides (simple sugars).
Electron shells The region surrounding the atomic nucleus at a fixed energy level in
which electrons orbit.

Electronegativity The tendency of an atom to attract electrons when it occurs as part of

a compound.
Electrons A subatomic particle outside the nucleus carrying a negative charge and very
little mass.
Questions
1. The search for water is important for life because life requires water. If a planet has
water on it, it has the potential to support life. Organisms are made up of about 70%
water. Its unique qualities make it a universal solvent, create hydrogen bonds, and
make it polar.
2. Electrons are the most important part of an atom when it comes to chemical
interactions because they determine how an atom will react. Exchanging and sharing
of electrons create bonds. Also the number of electrons determines the charge of the
atoms.
3. The octet rule is the tendency of atoms with more than one electron shell to form
stable molecules by having eight electrons in the outermost shell. This causes the
atoms to exchange and share electrons in chemical bonds.
4. Ionic bond when atoms transfer some electrons to complete an octet in their outer
shell. Once they exchange these electrons, the atoms are then oppositely electrically
charged and attracted to each other. This bond is typically weak.
Covalent bond - a chemical bond between atoms that are sharing electrons to
complete the octet in their outer shell. This is a strong bond.
Hydrogen bond - a weak electrostatic bond that arises from the attraction between the
slight positive charge on a hydrogen atom and a slight negative charge on a nearby
oxygen or nitrogen atom.
Hydrogen bond
Covalent
bond

5. Heat capacity because water forms a lot of hydrogen bonds in its liquid state raising
the temperature of water requires a lot of heat. This also means water has a high heat
of vaporization.
Cohesion the numerous hydrogen bonds give water cohesive strength to stick
together.
6. Hydrophobic = having no affinity for water. Uncharged and nonpolar groups of atoms
are hydrophobic.
Hydrophilic = having an affinity for water. Polar molecules interact with water.

7. Dehydration synthesis - when two monomers are combines to make a polymer and
water.
8. Sugars are like Legos because they have small pieces, monosaccharides, which can be
combined to form larger, more complex structures, polysaccharides.
9.

Cellulose is a straight-chain polymer.

It is used as a structural material that
can withstand harsh environments. Its
is used as the main component of cell
walls.
Glycogen is a highly branched chain polymer.
It is an energy storage polysaccharide
Found in animals and fungi. It is water
insoluble. It is easily hydrolyzed into
glucose.
Starch is a branched chain polymer.
It is used by plants for energy storage

10. In saturated fatty acids all the bonds with carbon atoms are single bonds. These
molecules are straight and packed tightly together. In unsaturated fatty acids there are
one or more double bonds in the hydrocarbon chain. These molecules have kinks in
them. Unsaturated fats are easier to metabolize because they have kinks are less
tightly packed.
11. The first law of thermodynamics says that energy cannot be created or destroyed. The
second law says that when energy is converted from one form into another, some of
the energy then becomes unavailable for use. The construction of complex molecules
generates more disorder than stored in flesh.